Russian Federation -- Beslan survivors speak out
By John Varoli Among the pleasant surprises in Beslan in the six months since the siege at School Number One has been the plethora of invitations for children to visit countries throughout Europe and North America, as well as Russia’s Black Sea region and Moscow.These are not your average tourist excursions. Imagine the impact on children who are feted on their travels. Heads of state, pop stars, and of course, the mass media, wait in line to meet the children. Back home, they happily show off photos made with some of the most prominent Russian and international personalities. It is a dramatic upheaval for children who have experienced such trauma. “The most important and exciting part is the journey itself,’’ said Sasha Agayev, 12, excitedly. He later added that after traveling abroad he’d consider leaving Beslan for good when he gets older. Hopes for their town When asked what needs to be done to improve life in Beslan, the children energetically put forth their ideas as if they were on the campaign trail running for elected office.“I think we need to change everything,’’ Bella Nugzareva “I’d set heavy fines for those who pollute and litter,’’ offered Aslan.“I’d build an aqua-park and modern sports facilities,’’ piped in Sahsa, who is then cut off by the others. “I’d make sure there were street urns everywhere so people didn’t have an excuse to litter,’’ added Georgi Batayev, 15. “I think we need to change everything,’’ quietly said Bella Nugzareva, 11, trying to get a word in above the din. “We need clean parks and it would nice to have some fountains.’’ As the conversation progresses, it’s clear the children’s opinion of their hometown has changed after their travels. They find Beslan untidy and colourless.
Bandits as heroes? I decide to change the topic to leisure. We discuss current film, especially recent Russian cinema hits. “I like `Boomer,’’ said Sasha, referring to a new Russian film about gangsters. “What’s `Boomer’ about?’’ I asked. “Oh, it’s a typical Russian film where bandits are made into heroes,’’ Georgi answered before Sasha could. “Maybe it’s not good to show bandits as heroes,’’ I said, hoping to prod. “Well, they’re not really bandits,’’ said Madina Takoyeva, 16, sitting off to the side by herself. “Life forced them to be like that. If they didn’t rob, they wouldn’t get anywhere in life.’’ The others concur, but I try to disagree. Sensing my disappointment and grasping the morbid irony, Sasha cuts in. “Hey, it’s just a film,’’ he said, calming down the group. There’s a pause. The children are thinking and reconsidering what they’ve just said. Remembering September 2004 I’ve avoided the question they’ve all feared, but now that we’re talking about `bandits’ I bring up their ordeal. Their reactions confirm the continued need for the psychological and emotional support that is being provided to traumatized children in Beslan, with UNICEF support. “A lot of people thought it was just a drill,’’ Aslan “Sometimes we remember [the hostage situation] with laughter,’’ Georgi bravely spoke first. “I was inside the school with a friend when we saw everyone going to the gym led by guys with guns.’’“A lot of people thought it was just a drill,’’ added Aslan, with a few of the others shaking their heads in agreement. Surprisingly, their memories seemed marked by humour instead of fear and terror; obviously part of a psychological defence mechanism. “When we were held in the gym, I sat next to a classmate who joked that when we get out of here they’ll give us a lot of things for free at the store because we were hostages,’’ smiled Bella. “I also thought the same thing, and all I could think of was drinking Coco-cola,’’ said Sasha, who later added that after being liberated he drank a two-liter bottle of coke in 10 minutes. As the conversation moved along, we start peeling away the layers of the onion and their memories grew deeper. “I sat near two classmates… Well, they died,’’ said Georgi, his voice suddenly trailing off as he made a gesture with his hands pointing to heaven. “Maybe let someone else tell the story…’’ Madina took up the story. “There was a girl sitting next to me, and when they handed out books so we could fan ourselves because it was really hot, she said to me, `I’m an optimist, and whatever will happen will happen,’ and then she sat there and started reading the book,’’ said Madina, tears coming to her eyes. “And I told her, `I’m an optimist too,’ and well… well… she died.’’ Their original energy, lightheartedness, and teenage recklessness suddenly subsided. If before they gladly spoke about films and travel, now they sit quiet. After a few minutes, Madina breaks the silence. “I sometimes think about the ones we’ve lost,’’ she said with a sigh. “Our neighbours and classmates. We miss them.’’ “The streets in Beslan have become quiet,’’ joined in Sasha. “It seems more than half the street is gone; there aren’t that many children around anymore; no more sounds of children. Our city block seems so empty.’’ “Yeah, it’s like that on our street,’’ agreed Madina. “There was a boy on our block who would always make a lot of noise,’’ says Madina. “Ah yeah, I know who you mean…’’ Sasha cut her off. “Yeah, he really loved animals,’’ said Madina. “Yeah, he was always chasing after cats and dogs…’’ said Sasha. Suddenly both become quiet, and the room grows tense. Tears start to role down Madina’s cheeks. Feeling embarrassed, she gets up and rushes out of the room. “If people don’t ask us about [the school siege], we usually don’t think about it’’ braved Aslan. “Still, you can never forget it, but somehow you have to live on.’’ John Varoli, an American, has lived in Russia since 1992. He worked with street children in Moscow for nearly four years before becoming a writer and journalist in 1997. Now based in St. Petersburg, he writes for Bloomberg News, the New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, the Art Newspaper, and many other publications. For more information: Anna Chernyakhovskaya, Communication Officer, UNICEF Russian Federation: (7 095) 933 88 22/18
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